Dr. Jessica Wentling

Massey 5x7 color

University of North Texas Health Science Center


Although I’ve spent most of my life on the east coast, I am now very happy to call Corpus Christi my home! I live with my two awesome rescue dogs, Jack and Boscoe! In my free time I enjoy hiking Texas state parks with Jack, enjoying the beach, and participating in dog rescue & training. 

So, how did I end up here? I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where I worked as a paramedic and ER tech for 6 years before deciding to apply to medical school. After a brief time in Hershey, PA for some graduate work in anatomy and neuroscience, I moved to Fort Worth, TX to attend medical school at UNT Health Science Center, TCOM. Although I tried to keep an open mind about deciding on a specialty, every clinical experience I had, further supported what I knew from the beginning - my heart belonged in the emergency department. I was fortunate enough to be able to move to Corpus Christi during my third year in medical school, as this is one of the rotation sites for TCOM students. I had no idea when I moved here that I would completely fall in love with the city, and with the residency program. 

When it came to choosing a residency program to rank #1, the decision was easy. You have to visit us to understand, but there is no program with the opportunity for experience, the incredibly invested attendings, the quality of didactics and the family feeling that this program offers. I cannot convey how incredibly fortunate I feel to be a part of such a wonderful group of people. 

It is wonderful to have found my home in such a sunny, warm city! As a kid, I would spend all year long waiting for the one week of summer during which my family and I would make the 4 hour road trip to the beach. I loved the sun, the sand, the waves, and I never wanted to leave. Now, I can drive just a few minutes to put my feet in the sand and play in the waves, it’s incredible! 

Visit Corpus Christi. Spend time with our attendings. Talk with our residents. Have a bonfire on the beach. Believe me, you won’t want to leave!!! 


© Kimberly & Ben Leeson 2024